Four days ago I arrived in this Colony after a passage of forty days from Philadelphia. I would have sail’d from America at an earlier period but it was not in my power to obtain a passage to this place.

On my Arrival I waited upon Mr. Rousselet the late American Consul, who inform’d me that the Governor of this Colony refused to accept him in quality of Consul from the United States for Reasons stated in a letter to him of the 28th. October 1800 the principal one of which was that the Treaty of the United States with Great Britain made no provision for the Residence of American Consuls in their foreign Possessions. Mr. Rousselet further inform’d me that he has written to the Department of State ⟨by⟩ several Conveyances.

As I presume the same Reasons exist at present that did then, I wou’d deem it inconsistent with the Dignity of the United states to repeat the Application. I have thought it proper however to announce my Arrival to the Governor—a Copy of my Letter to him I herewith enclose.

The British have still possession of all the Dutch settlements on this Coast. They are now making preperations to evacuate this, as well as their other Conquests in this part of the Globe. Citizen Marteens, the new Governor, appointed under the Batavian Government is expected here in the Course of a very short time to take possession of the Colonies of Demerary and Essequebo in the name of the States of Holland.

There are a number of Americans ⟨settled⟩ here and at Essequeobo and I have the pleasure to state to you that my Appointment has afforded them general pleasure.

They have all expressed a Wish to have an American and not a foreigner to represent their Nation. With sentiments of the highest Respect and Esteem, I have the Honor to be Sir, Your most ob. Sert.